Marble is considered one of the most expensive materials, the fashion for which does not fade over time. The material is ideal for the kitchen.
Pros of marble
- It looks noble, elegant, luxurious.
- It features excellent performance characteristics.
- This is a natural and environmentally friendly material that has a long service life.
Cons of a marble apron
Please note that:
- Marble is a capricious stone. It is not acid resistant.
- It has a porous structure, due to which it quickly absorbs moisture and any food coloring.
That is why it is important to choose high-quality, well-polished material.
When you want marble in the kitchen
Different types of materials can imitate this stone. Which one to choose depends on the type of surface, the desired effect and budget. Artificial stone with random veining is great for the kitchen - it adds to the aesthetics of it.
Marble tiles with gold accents pair with chandeliers and sconces and add sophistication to the kitchen.
The countertop, sink and apron are one whole: it’s easy to put things in order in such an interior
A marble surface is a practical solution, because traces of water splashes and other stains are not so visible on it. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of natural and artificial stone.
| Material properties | Natural marble | Artificial marble |
| Practicality | Real marble is “capricious” and needs special care. In reviews about it they often write that wine, lemon juice and some other liquids should not be spilled on the stone - stains from them will not be washed off | Man-made material is less sensitive to dirt because it is not as porous |
| Hardness | Most often it consists of calcite, which has a third category of hardness. In practice, this means that it can be easily scratched with a steel knife. Fine-grained material is more durable and has a second hardness category | Artificial stone - depending on what it is made from - can be stronger than steel. A kitchen knife won't hurt it |
| Color spectrum | Very deep and varied shades, unique textures - identical patterns in nature are extremely difficult to find | Dyes allow you to achieve any shades, even those that do not exist in nature. The textures are also varied, but can be “replicated” - this indicates their artificial origin |
| Temperature | Always stays cold | Accepts room temperature |
| Weight | Very heavy. It is not permissible to use material of this weight in every apartment. | Many times lighter than natural. This facilitates the delivery of slabs and countertops and their installation |
| Price | High. Of course, prices will be different in Milan and Gomel, but natural stone is much more expensive than man-made stone | Usually much more affordable than natural stone, with rare exceptions |
ADVICE. Both natural and artificial marble have great expressiveness. Therefore there should not be too much of it.
General impression
Natural stones in the interior will help a person feel more comfortable. They make the room much more comfortable.
Marble is easy to process - this is a plus. But this advantage has a downside - high sensitivity to all aggressive influences.
Marble comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The range varies from classic light (white, cream) and dark (brown, black) shades to very unusual ones - reddish, pink, gray, blue, green, etc.
Photo from source: pufikhomes.com
Table top Cedar 2347/soft Blanco Marble
Photo from source: polinov.ru
Table top Cedar 3024/S Gold marble
Tabletop Cedar 3034/S Blue Marquina Marble
Types of artificial stone for finishing walls and floors
Marble tiles
Modern tiles with such a pattern are difficult to distinguish from natural materials, but you can buy them at a much lower price per square meter. Such a practical covering is also appropriate in bathrooms and corridors.
For the floor, it is better to choose tiles with a rough surface - they will not be so slippery. At the same time, the marble floor in the kitchen should not be too textured - it will be more difficult to clean. You can lay floor tiles yourself if you have at least a little experience and knowledge. This material is also suitable for “warm floors”. Glazed surface tiles are good for walls.
ATTENTION! If possible, choose tiles with greater variation in patterns and lay them so that identical prints are not next to each other. This technique increases the resemblance to natural material.
In the photo of this kitchen, the faux marble floor with black diamonds looks natural
Marble porcelain tiles in the kitchen
This material looks like tile in photographs, but in reality they are easy to distinguish. The design is applied to the tile only on top, and the porcelain stoneware is painted over the entire thickness. Porcelain tiles are stronger than ceramic tiles and even natural materials. It is not afraid of alkalis and acids, temperature changes. But it has fewer design options, and installation is more complicated.
White floor with gray veining made of porcelain stoneware - a practical solution for the kitchen
Other materials for walls and aprons
It is much easier to decorate a small apron with such a pattern than to cover an entire wall or floor. And besides, there are materials that are perfect for an apron. Let's list the most popular:
- Agglomerate . This is marble chips. This material is durable, but does not like too high temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Acrylic . Acrylic aprons have no seams. It is durable, but afraid of strong heat.
- MDF. The familiar MDF is also capable of imitating natural textures. At the same time, it is much more affordable and easier to install than artificial and especially natural stone.
- They threw it off . This is glass that can be covered with the desired pattern. As an apron, this material is practical and convenient.
- Plastic . Cheap and easy to install, flexible, but absolutely not practical. Coatings made from it quickly fade and lose their original appearance.
As for the walls, they can be covered with washable wallpaper with a characteristic pattern or covered with Venetian plaster with the appropriate texture. How to do this is shown in the video:
Combination with wood
Marble is a material that works well with a variety of textures and styles. If your budget allows, choosing a marble countertop to match your backsplash is a great way to make a splash in your kitchen.
If it is possible to make kitchen furniture from natural wood, you will get the ideal solution for a chic design of the kitchen space.
Furniture
A marble-style kitchen is not just about walls or floors. Furniture also takes up a fairly large area, and if it has an interesting texture, it will definitely not go unnoticed.
Marble countertop and dining table
Marble-textured countertops and dining tables can be made from a variety of materials, from plastic to quartz agglomerate. Acrylic and MDF surfaces are also popular.
Countertops are made from acrylic, which are one piece with the sink. This looks interesting and facilitates quick cleaning. Acrylic can be repaired and polished.
It is not customary to cover a dining table with a pattern with a tablecloth. Instead, you can use various napkins and stands that match the style and color of both the table and the entire interior.
The marble countertop in the kitchen interior harmoniously juxtaposes with the pink wall
Island
The island can be decorated either partially or completely. The surface can be made of porcelain stoneware, acrylic and other materials. Sometimes the island and other furniture are covered with tiles - large or small.
This kitchen island not only has a marble pattern on the top but also on the sides.
Marble kitchen set
Facades with a marble pattern made of MDF and chipboard have long been not uncommon. For the kitchen, such furniture is quite practical if you do not expose it to excessive load and moisture.
Self-adhesive marble-effect film will help you transform old furniture with smooth facades yourself. But, despite the apparent simplicity of this action, it is difficult to carefully stick the self-adhesive - air bubbles form under it, which must be ironed out in time.
If the marble on the facades of this set were real, then such furniture would be extremely heavy and uncomfortable
Windowsill
The demand for window sills with a characteristic stone pattern is no less than the demand for the same countertops. Such attention to this element is due to its functionality. In a small kitchen, a window sill can replace both a dining table and a work surface. It is also used as a place for indoor plants. This means that the requirements for the window sill must be no less strict than the requirements for the worktop. At the very least, it should be able to withstand high humidity and mechanical stress.
A marble-like artificial stone window sill can serve as an additional countertop in a small kitchen
Installation nuances
A kitchen apron can have different heights, widths and shapes. Acrylic stone is easy to process, so instead of the traditional straight line, a low apron can have a beautifully shaped top edge.
The properties of artificial stone make it possible to make not only a traditional rectangular transition from the apron to the tabletop, but also a rounded one. At the same time, it seems as if the apron smoothly “flows” into the tabletop, and the border between them is not striking.
As a rule, stone wall panels are attached with good tile adhesive. The process takes a little time, but due to the high cost of the material, it is better to entrust the installation to professionals who have the necessary experience.
Installation
The kitchen apron, made of decorative stone, is a monolithic structure with a perfectly flat and smooth surface.
Typically, this material is made in the form of large slabs. Its installation should be entrusted to specialists who know all the intricacies of handling such materials.
The entire installation process can be divided into several stages:
- Before starting work, you must carefully level the kitchen wall and clean it of all excess.
- After this, high-quality tile adhesive should be applied in an even layer across the width of the row - for this you can use a spatula or comb. A slab is carefully pressed against each area. During the installation process, glue begins to squeeze out and appear on the surface, which must be removed immediately.
- All slabs of decorative artificial stone must fit together as tightly as possible. After installation, it takes time for them to dry completely and adhere to the wall surface.
- If desired, the end result can be secured by covering the apron with a layer of a special protective agent. However, this is not necessary.
An apron made of decorative artificial stone is difficult to distinguish from a product made of natural stone.
It can serve for the same long time, looks no worse, and costs much less.
Marbled plumbing
Stone plumbing looks more impressive compared to conventional metal products. And if you treat it correctly, it will serve for a long time.
Washing
A sink made from natural material has a porous structure, which has a very negative effect on its practicality. Using man-made stone in this situation is not only a way to save money. This is a completely rational decision. Such products are no less beautiful than natural ones, and they also absorb the sound of pouring water and rattling dishes just as well.
Various dyes are mixed into the marble chips and resins from which sinks are made. The palette of shades is very wide and allows you to choose a sink for any kitchen. They are also varied in shape - rectangular, corner, round and double are especially common.
The sink is a recess in the island
ADVICE. You should properly care for a sink made from man-made material. It is enough to wipe it with a sponge, without using powders, soda or other abrasives.
Mixer
Stone-effect faucets are also reliable and wear-resistant. Their control system can be classic, with two separate valves for hot and cold water, but single-lever models are increasingly common, which are much more convenient.
When purchasing a faucet, it is important to pay attention to the height of the spout. A faucet that is too high may splash water, while a faucet that is too low will prevent you from placing dishes in the sink.
Care
Photo from source: masterproff.ru
In this case, it is necessary to renew the sealant layer approximately twice a year, because marble is a porous material. These countertops are easy to clean; all you need is warm water and mild soap.
Since marble is less durable than, for example, granite, use special pads for hot dishes and cauldrons. And to avoid accidentally damaging the surface while cutting food, don’t forget about the boards.
Photo from source: archiprofi.ru
Tabletop Cedar 3028/S White Marquina Marble
Kitchen accessories
Marble can be introduced into the interior of the kitchen “spotwise”, using small objects made of this stone or its imitation. There are magnificent designer accessories made of stone in a variety of shades. Combinations of several types of marble in one product look especially interesting.
The following items with a characteristic texture will help decorate the dining table:
- unusual coasters for mugs;
- convenient dishes to serve;
- gorgeous trays;
- flower pots and vases with flowers;
- stylish candlesticks.
A photo panel with a marble pattern will decorate a shelf in the kitchen or any other room
Above a table or bar counter you can hang a lamp, lampshade or sconce with a pattern imitating a noble stone.
The following accessories will take part in cooking:
- rolling pins;
- boards for cutting products;
- Turks;
- pots;
- steamers and more.
Some of these items will have to be put away in cabinets, and some will serve not only for cooking, but also for kitchen decor. They can be made of plastic, metal, ceramics, but will have recognizable marble patterns on the surface. Also, some kitchen accessories are made from natural marble.
If this stone is already actively used in the design of your kitchen, introduce new items carefully and think through their combinations. For example, on a black tabletop with white veins, a white tray with black veins or a vase with this texture will look interesting.
This kitchen is transformed by a noticeable marble panel on the wall.
Smooth flow
Kitchen design looks very good when the apron and countertop are made of the same material. The result is a smooth flow of the horizontal surface into the vertical one.
If you choose an interesting color, such an apron will perfectly replace wallpaper and can last all the way to the ceiling.
You can alternate light tones of the apron and countertops with dark tones of kitchen furniture to make the interior look impressive and stylish. If the kitchen is small, it is better to decorate it in light colors that will visually expand the boundaries of the room.
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Marble Kitchen Design
When developing a kitchen design, you should take into account the colors of the stone and what it goes with. We also recommend studying fashion trends - not so much in order to comply with them, but in order not to make a kitchen that is too modern, which will quickly become outdated. Of course, marble has been known since ancient times; it cannot lose its relevance. But here are some trendy techniques and combinations - quite.
Fashionable colors and textures
The palette of natural stone is extremely rich. But the artificial one does not lag behind and even surpasses the natural one in the variety of shades. But most often in 2022 the following colors were chosen:
- light beige;
- white with gray streaks;
- smoky gray;
- brown;
- black.
This choice is due to the fact that these colors are “basic”; other furnishings play well against their background. In addition, marble surfaces are usually made to last for a long time, and it is more difficult to decide on bold shades. Although there are a lot of them: emerald, blue, dark blue, red, pink, yellow. They all also have different patterns - veins, waves, spots.
This photo does not show the entire palette of existing shades of marble, both artificial and natural.
White marble with a glossy surface makes the kitchen visually larger
Green marble - an option for bold interiors
The black marble island contrasts effectively with the white furniture
Combinations for different styles
The shade of the finish should be consistent in both color and style with all other items in the room. In addition, it is advisable to do the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, and all other rooms in the house in the same style. The most popular examples:
- White and gray marble combine well with granite, metal and concrete. Such combinations are appropriate in an industrial style. Wood is also suitable for this style.
- Wooden surfaces are often found in Scandi style, and if you add a little marble to them, the room will only benefit from such a bright contrast of textures.
- A beige stone is good for a classic look.
- For American interiors, a warm brown color is preferred. It will harmonize beautifully with deep cool shades of textiles - dark blue, dark green, purple.
- High-tech style is characterized by combinations of this material with glass and chrome.
The coldness of marble is compensated by the warmth of wood, and the textures of these materials combine well with each other
Marble or its imitation looks chic. When this stone is present in the interior, its status increases noticeably.
Installation
Accurate preliminary measurements are a must for installing marble countertops.
Photo from source: kitchen-eco.ru
The installation work consists of gluing together the components of an already processed marble countertop with resin.
A marble kitchen countertop is mounted on top of a box that is already assembled entirely. The reason for this is the heavy weight. Don't even try to lift this kitchen top yourself. This will require at least three people.
How to choose?
When studying countertop catalogs, pay attention to:
1. Presence/absence of foreign inclusions - if the marble is clean and does not contain mica, quartz, ore, the price of such a countertop will be very high. Otherwise, when there are too many foreign minerals, the countertop will look sloppy;
2. Thickness - the minimum value is 1.9 cm. The protrusion that is recommended to be made above the facade is from 2.5 to 3 cm. In this case, you can choose any edge according to your desire;
3. Processing of the end profile - various options are available: half-rollers, rollers, figured turning with polishing, chamfer.
The main requirement is that there are no chips. Repair and savings
